Kendrick Perkins has voiced his strong opinion that the Philadelphia 76ers need a complete overhaul following another disappointing season marked by Joel Embiid’s uncertain future. Speaking recently, Perkins suggested hitting the “reset button” across the entire organization, explicitly calling for the trade of Joel Embiid and the departure of Paul George, highlighting frustrations with the franchise’s current direction and management.
Perkins openly criticized 76ers general manager Daryl Morey, pointing out that Morey was aware of Embiid’s persistent injuries before signing him to a lucrative extension and has not managed the team’s roster effectively.
“I would hit the reset button all across the … board,” the former New Orleans Pelicans center said on a recent podcast appearance, “and it’s not just trading Joel Embiid and Paul George … I’m also hitting on the reset button on who actually paid those guys and jumped the gun.” —Kendrick Perkins
“It’s time to clean the front office, Let’s be real here. Daryl Morey has not done a great job. Morey knew about these injuries and what Joel Embiid was dealing with, (yet he) gave Embiid an extension.” —Kendrick Perkins
“After another brutal season in Philly, with Joel Embiid’s future uncertain and no clear direction in sight, Kendrick Perkins believes the Sixers don’t just need tweaks — they need a full reset ð”I would hit the reset button across the board… Trade Embiid. Let Paul George go.…” —Kendrick Perkins (via ClutchPoints Twitter)
Joel Embiid’s Challenging Career and Contributions to the 76ers
Since joining the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, Joel Embiid has delivered an impressive, if turbulent, professional career. The Cameroonian center has earned a Most Valuable Player award, seven <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors, three All-Defensive team placements, and two scoring titles. Yet, despite these individual achievements, Embiid has been unable to guide the team past the Eastern Conference semifinals in seven playoff appearances.
Throughout his tenure, Embiid has signed three maximum salary extensions after his rookie contract, with total earnings exceeding $250 million. His commitment to Philadelphia has been evident, expressing his desire to stay and bring a championship to the city.
“I want to be here the rest of my career, I love this community and everything you’ve given me and my family. There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship, and I think we’re just getting started.” —Joel Embiid, 2024
However, recent seasons have been difficult for Embiid and the 76ers. Injuries have sidelined him for large portions of time, most notably limiting him to just 19 games in one campaign. The team has also struggled with other factors, such as Paul George posting career-low numbers (apart from his initial two seasons) and rookie Jared McCain suffering an ACL injury before he could make a significant impact.
Fellow NBA player Nic Batum provided insight into the severity of Embiid’s knee issues, underscoring the physical toll endured during games.
“I saw his knee before every game, after every game… I have no idea how he could even walk.” —Nic Batum
76ers’ Outlook Amid Rising Eastern Conference Competition
The Philadelphia 76ers face a challenging road ahead as they attempt to regain competitiveness within the tougher Eastern Conference landscape. Rivals like the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics threaten to heighten the level of difficulty for the team’s playoff aspirations in the upcoming season.
With the current roster and front office under scrutiny, the future of key figures such as Joel Embiid remains uncertain. While Perkins advocates for an extensive rebuild excluding Embiid and George, the star center continues to demonstrate resilience and a commitment to the franchise. This ongoing tension highlights a critical crossroads for the 76ers’ path forward.
Whether this season can bring a much-needed breakthrough for Embiid and the team remains to be seen, but the pressure for change from voices inside and outside the organization signals significant decisions ahead.